A note on the Queen

It seems that I have the same sentimental inclination as my dear Mum. I have kept a copy of The Sydney Morning Herald from March 14, Zoe's birthday, and have stored all the lovely 'new baby' cards that we have been sent. The Herald's front page features a large photo of the Queen, surrounded by supporters waving Australian flags, and an article on two failed $20,000 sports bets. What does this say about Australia in 2006?

Parenting aids

Our first visit to the baby clinic this week went well. For a start, the community nurse was great. She gave us lots of practical advice, probably repeating a few of the things said the previous week by the home visit nurse, but in a much more affable and less judgemental way. Zoe peed all over her changing table, but I think that is par for the course when running a baby clinic. The most interesting advice, repeated by absolutely everyone since Zoe was born, was that I should get a dummy. This time I listened. The nurse noted that babies need sucking time, as distinct from feeding time, and Zoe has been having both of these at my boob, meaning that some evenings she has been almost permanently attached for 5 or 6 hours. This has been quite draining, given that when she is in this mood, she is quite grizzly and finds it difficult to latch on. She had also managed to gain 330g in a week, which is apparently well above the average gain expected, so there is no question of her not getting enough milk.

So the upshot is we went straight to the chemist and purchased some dummies. It was pretty distressing giving her the dummy that night, and I cried when she did manage to take it. It not only looked stupid, this big piece of brightly coloured plastic concealing almost a third of her face, but I also felt as if I had somehow failed her, despite never really ruling a dummy out. But that didn't last long, once I realised that in the break between evening feeds I could sit through dinner and even have a glass of wine. Joy. I'm also pleased that in the days since, she doesn't always accept the dummy, so maybe this will only be a short term measure for helping her settle in the early evening? I've also started to use the automatic rocking seat that Zoe's cousin has lent us a bit more frequently; I well embrace as many parenting aids as I can. As well as swinging back and forth, the chair has a ring of stuffed ducks attached that move around above her head, and she seems genuinely enchanted by these.

Thankfully Zoe's dad could come to the baby clinic with us, as it was his rostered day off. This meant he could work out how to fit the pram in my car. We hadn't thought of that [well, I hadn't]. It is a bit tricky. so much so that yesterday I simply took the sling when I needed to go down town. If the baby is fed and relaxed, she's quite happy to lie in there and doze on and off, although we need some more practice getting her in and out gently.

Today we are staying home all day, hoping to re-establish some of the great sleeping-feeding patterns we had going. It seems that yesterday's trip into town might have thrown things off, and as a consequence, we had a much more unsettled night that usual.

More photos

Here's a link to some photos taken during labour and shortly after Zoe's birth. They have been censored.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/babyreverie/

She's a winner

Have I mentioned how beautiful our little girl is?

Zoe has had most of the skin on her body, feet and hands peel off over the last few days. Okay, that's maybe not very attractive, but it will be over shortly. I'm not sure, but this could be a sign that she was well and truly cooked by the time she was born? Maybe all babies peel. I checked the birthing photos yesterday, and she had very little vernix on her when born, just some on her back, so this suggests she was definately overdue. I would hate to think how little she would have been if she had arrived any earlier.

She has no other marks on her skin. No freckles or moles or birthmarks, which I hope means she has inherited her father's beautiful complexion [at least it was, before he started working outdoors in Australia].

We had a great night's sleep last night. I had expected her to have a grizzling period between 9pm and midnight, like most other nights this week, but she slept through until 1am, then did not wake again until 430am. If she keeps sleeping this well, I'm going to need to get up at night and express some milk for pain relief; the last two nights I've been lying there willing her to wake!

We had our first outing in the pram this week with Harry dog. The dog was just happy to see me and be out and about. He is curious about what is in the pram, and has a quick sniff around, but the lake and its doggy smells are more tempting.

Zoe has also proved to be a good tip for the racetrack. Dashing Zoe placed in her race at the Hawesbury racetrack yesterday, and my Dad and sister were lucky enough to have a bet on. Go Zoe!

Heureux anniversaire

One week old today! Where has the week gone?

Yesterday was an eventful day for bubba Zoe [and Mum]. We started the day feeling very smug and happy with our baby raising skills; we are sleeping and feeding easily, and nappy changing is becoming second nature. My lovely boss has given us a nappy service as a gift, and they called to say they would be delivering a week's worth of nappies tomorrow. Joy. What more could mother and baby want?

Then the early childhoood nurse called around. While clearly a nice lady with a real interest in the welfare of babies, this woman questioned the amount of time we spend feeding, suggesting that things need to slow down. This was a clear contradiction of what I have read and was told by most of the midwives at the birthing centre. And certainly not supported by the generally happy and healthy disposition of bubba, who when put on the scales had gained another 10g in 2 days ['but she has just had a feed'].

I also made the mistake of putting bubba on the floor of the loungeroom while she was here. This was clearly the height of poor hygiene, and my visitor proceeded to tell me so. Ewan just sat and watched in horror. The irony is, I've never put her on the floor before to change a nappy, and while down there, I could see that the room did need a good vacuum. There were a few other suggestions too - I should not walk my dog for at least another few weeks [how very cruel], and should not be offering both boobs at a feed. Apparently I should be expressing milk as well, which means sterilising equipment. I don't think so! So at the end of her visit I was left feeling very uneasy about my parenting skills [and quite tearful too - had not realised how fragile the emotions are still are, but I guess that's me anyway]. A little bit angry too. I am going to heed the advice of my GP though, who said that we would receive lots of conflicting advice, and I should simly go with my instincts, as generally they are right.

We were able to put that behind us when we went on our first outing last night - to Aunty Sally's linen party. Most of the girls there are fairly new mothers, and could sympathise. A few also breastfeed, so I could benchmark what I'm doing with their experience. So a good bitch session set things straight, and it seems a few girls had the same experience with the same woman.

Zoe enjoyed the party. She was oohed and ahhed over plenty, and had lots of cuddles and a few presents too. Unfortunately, it was also the beginning of her high needs period of the day, so I spent a lot of time in the bedroom feeding, but with plenty of company. I guess I enjoyed myself too, and was able to prove that small outings are not out of the question, even if only to Aunty Sal's three blocks away!

Other milestones achieved this week: umbilical stump fell off; Aunty Mellie visited for cuddles; first bath at home with Mum and Dad [was a bit bemused, but don't think she found it unpleasant].

We will celebrate her anniversary today with some lovely banana cake that cousin Ella's nanny made for us.

Zoe has arrived

Here's a picture of our beautiful little girl who arrived at 620 pm on Tuesday 14th March (6lb10 or 2.7 kg). The labour was long - 22 hours - and drug free, but entirely worth it. This was possible thanks to my dear sister and husband, who provided fantastic support. And the midwives at Mullumbimby hospital were superb. Zoe was very alert at birth and scored apgar's of 9 at 1 minute and 9 at 5 minutes. We laboured on and off in the birthing pool, but in the end chose to have her 'on land'. We were kicked out of hospital yesterday, so have just survived our first night at home. The breastfeeding routine is exhausting, but the fact that Zoe had gained 60g in her first four days [usually babies lose weight over the first week] is testament to the fact that it is working.

We received lots of beautiful flowers and gifts for the bubba already. Thanks to everyone who has done this. I'll be in touch personally soon. Have also had a chuckle reading the comments posts from OJ, Dave, Jo and Anna. Thanks for the encouragement guys!

I also intend to post more photos and possibly a full description of the labour in the next few days. Stay tuned.

False labour

Called the hospital yesterday and had a reassuring talk with the midwife on duty, who suggested that things were underway, and that I should rest and eat well. Both of which I managed. I also managed to gouge a hole in hubby's hairstyle while helping him clipper his hair. Forgot to put the guard on. Thankfully, we both saw the funny side, and had a big belly laugh about it. Now he's sporting a remedial buzz cut, which is a little confronting, but doesn't look too bad [that's what we're all saying].

Had expectations that today might have been the day that bubba graced us, based both on the midwife's reassurances and some signs of labour, including contraction-like pains in my lower belly, which kept me up all night. But I now think this is a 'false labour' - one which doesn't open the cervix. Did manage to get a little sleep, but spent most of the night watching movies, with lots of walking when the 'contractions' hit. Have decided to accept my 'labour' for what it is. Am having these contractions as I write, which require me to do a lap of the house...

GI Joe and I have an appointment at the doctor's at 3pm today, ostensibly to discuss inducement. I had given some thought to refusing an intervention at this stage, based of course on a check of the baby's condition, but will keep an open mind. We'll take our bags [seem to have an awful lot of gear packed] with us, just in case we get sent straight to the hospital. Who knows which one.

If we come back home [which is my expectation], I promise to post an update otherwise, thanks for thinking of us, and be assured that we will call once we have some good news.

Still waiting

No baby yet, I'm afraid.

Progress!

Something must be working - had a show last night that woke me up around 1am. Was very exciting, but this hasn't been backed up with contractions. Have sent hubby to work, and am still considering keeping my movie date to see Brokeback Mountain today - despite my family suggesting otherwise. Will also keep my acupuncture appointment this afternoon, if no progress by then.

The attached picture of of the bub was taken about 10 days ago.

Change of attitude

Acupuncture session this morning was great - apparently my pulse is on the way down, which is a good sign, and he was able to reduce it further. Had to pull out the heavy duty needles for this one. Have booked another session for late tomorrow, just in case the little bugger doesn't budge by then. Am also taking black cohosh and have been getting jiggy with Ewan in the bedroom - this is supposed to help! Hope I haven't turned anyone off...

Feeling much more positive now. Just need to get this strange man out of my house [the builder]. Am thinking that his presence might be a bit of a block.

Baby room photo

Here's a photo the baby's room - just to prove we are ready! That said, our intention is to have bubba sleep in our room in a bassinet for the first few months. And I know the baby doesn't notice, but I anticipate having to spend a bit of time in there too!

please don't induce me

Have been awake all night ... thought it best to hop out of bed and let hubby get some sleep before he heads off to work today. The reason for this wakefulness - despite being tired most of the time during the day - was our visit to our GP yesterday. The bottom line is, that unless this 'overdue' baby arrives soon, we'll need to look at a medical induction, and that can only take place at the large base hospital. This is so contrary to our needs and expectations for this birth! And I promised myself I wouldn't get disappointed if we ended up there, but our hearts are really set on having this water birth at Mullum.

My GP suggested that Saturday was the day to discuss induction - I immediately asked that we leave it until Monday, which he agreed to. So we've won a few more days. Come on baby! Hopefully tomorrow's session of acupuncture will have some effect... The truth is though, I think that bubba is quite content in the womb, and will come when he/she is damn well ready.

dishwasher day

It is now several days past my 'due date', and no sign that bubba is ready to face us yet. Plenty of braxton-hicks contractions and lots of kicking and squirming, to remind me that he/she's there! I had hoped that the weekend of rain and mild flooding (typical North Coast weather) would somehow coax bubba out... a drive through flooded roads in the pouring rain would have made a great birth story.

I am swimming between calm and cranky at an alarming rate today. My dear husband (DH) is home from work today - the pressure to produce an infant is even strong from that side, with his boss 'scheduling' time off for him this week. A visit to the doctor tomorrow will reveal more, but I'm hoping he'll agree to me trying some acupuncture to induce labour (he's very supportive of natural therapies, given our plan to have a natural water birth). Yes, we've tried the curries and and the walking in soft sand and some of the other not-unpleasant activities suggested for induction.

Was able to go for a long walk with the dog, DH and my Dad on the beach this morning, which was nice - it is such a beautiful day. Am trying to enjoy these moments 'while we can'. The next distraction? Go grocery shopping, mainly to get out of the house while the builder installs our new dishwasher (yeah!).

Waiting for bub

Welcome to my first post! I've created this blog as a place to share stories and pictures of our beloved bub with family and friends, once he or she arrives. Today's post is also a place for me to express some of my current frustration at being full term pregnant and not having met our new bub yet.

My due date was yesterday, the first of March 06. Yesterday was also the first day in some time that I had a sudden burst of unexplained tears. Mentally, I had approached the day as I would any other day, knowing that only 5% of babies arrive on their due date. By the end of the day however, after many phone calls from well wishers and the inquisitive, my 'everything as normal' facade disappeared. My poor husband Ewan was a little unprepared for the tears at the dinner table. I suspect he is as 'on edge' about our impending arrival as I am. Suprisingly though, I don't have any apparent anxiety about the actual birth.

Ewan keeps modelling scenarios for getting me to the hospital when I go into labour, which I guess for him is the only time during the birth that he will have a starring role. My suggestion is that he will calmly return from his work, should I be labouring during the day, calmly shower and then we will calmly hop in the car, pick up my lovely sister who is providing further support, and calmly take the 40 minute drive to the hospital. Those people who know my dear husband [DH] would recognise the thread of optimism in this projected scenario.